The U.S. Embassy in Rangoon will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2009, in honor of American Independence Day and Monday, July 6, 2009, Full moon of Waso.It will open again for business on Tuesday, July 7, 2009.

Burmese Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi

Birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi

The United States sends its best wishes to Aung San Suu Kyi on the occasion of her 64th birthday on June 19. She continues to inspire those who support freedom and democracy in Burma and around the world. Sadly, though, Aung San Suu Kyi will once again spend her birthday in confinement – isolated from her family, friends, and the Burmese people – as Burmese authorities pursue unjustified and indefensible charges against her.(Full text)

Trafficking in Persons Report 2009

Burma is a source country for women, children, and men trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation.(Full text) (Burmese translation)

Democracy Video Challenge Results

The Democracy Video Challenge was an exciting project for everyone involved. People around the world were asked to create short videos completing the phrase, "Democracy is..." Over 900 contestants from 95 countries answered the call! The YouTube video version of the winners is available at:http://www.youtube.com/democracychallenge.

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Indonesia's Foreign Mininster Hassan Wirajuda at their news conference in Washington, June 8, 2009 (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Remarks With Indonesian Foreign Minister Noer Hassan Wirajuda After Their Meeting

We also discussed the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi. Let me again reiterate that the charges against her are baseless, and we call for her immediate release. Indonesia, like other ASEAN countries, have also spoken out about her plight and urged her immediate release, and we greatly appreciate that. (Full text)

President Barack Obama at Cairo University, Egypt

President Obama’s Remarks at Cairo University, Egypt

I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. (Full text) (Video File Download)

President Barack Obama, President of the United States

Statement by the President on Aung San Suu Kyi’s House Arrest and Detention

White House
Washington, DC
May 26, 2009

I call on the Burmese government to release National League for Democracy Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi from detention immediately and unconditionally. I strongly condemn her house arrest and detention, which have also been condemned around the world. (Full text)

Secretary Clinton with the Malaysian Foreign Minister (AP Photo)

Secretary Clinton: Remarks With the Malaysian Foreign Minister After Their Meeting

Treaty Room
Washington, DC
May 14, 2009

I am deeply troubled by the Burmese Government decision to charge Aung San Suu Kyi for a baseless crime. It comes just before the six-year anniversary of her house arrest, and it is not in keeping with the rule of law, the ASEAN charter, or efforts to promote national reconciliation and progress in Burma. (Full text)

Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN

Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, on Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma (PDF)

I am deeply concerned about Aung San Suu Kyi current situation and the new charges being levied against her for supposedly violating the terms of her house arrest. The U.S. Government calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the more than 2,100 other political prisoners currently held by the Burmese regime. (Full text)

Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi's Health

Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
May 11, 2009

The United States Government is concerned about reports that Aung San Suu Kyi needs medical care and that Burmese authorities have detained her primary personal physician, Dr. Tin Myo Win. We urge the Burmese regime to allow Aung San Suu Kyi to receive immediate medical care from Dr. Tin Myo Win. (Full text)

Presidential Proclamation - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
May 1, 2009

The vast diversity of languages, religions, and cultural traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders continues to strengthen the fabric of American society. (Full text)

Anniversary of Cyclone Nargis

U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC
April 29, 2009

On May 2, 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck Burma, devastating much of the Irrawaddy Delta, wiping out entire villages, and leaving at least 138,000 people dead or missing. As we near the first anniversary, we remember those who died and offer our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones. We also honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Burmese people who have worked tirelessly alongside the United States and the international community to help their neighbors attempt to rebuild their lives. (Full text)

The First 100 Days: New American Engagement for the 21st Century

James L. Jones
U.S. National Security Advisor
April 29, 2009

One hundred days ago, the United States celebrated the inauguration of our 44th President.  Many around the world joined us in celebrating what was an historic occasion for the American people, and for all who believe in the possibility of hope for a better future for themselves and their children. (Full text)

World Malaria Day

Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy
Rangoon, Burma
April 25, 2009

World Malaria Day is observed April 25 to call attention to the disease and to mobilize action to combat it.  The U.S. has taken extraordinary steps to curb the spread of this preventable and curable disease, including in Burma. (Full text)

Obama and the World: 100 Days, Global Townhall at VOANews.com

Join VOA's international audience on 5 May at 1500 UTC for a special two-hour Web-TV-radio discussion of President Barack Obama's first 100 days in office. We will broadcast live from the Newseum in Washington, DC, midway between the White House and the U.S. Capitol. (Full text)

Chargé d’Affaires Larry Dinger

U.S. Government Donates Over 16,000 Tons of Rice to Nargis Victims

U.S. Embassy
Rangoon, Burma
April 2, 2009

On April 1, 2009, Chargé d’Affaires Larry Dinger and Embassy staff traveled to several villages in the Delta to observe the distribution of 16,620 metric tons of rice donated by the U.S. government and talk with beneficiaries about their priorities for recovery. As part of America's commitment to the welfare of the Burmese people, the U.S. government has contributed a total of $74 million in humanitarian assistance to victims of Cyclone Nargis in the period since May 2008. (Full text)

U.S. Government Official's Meetings in Burma

Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
March 25, 2009

In Burma, Mr. Blake met with a variety of people representing a wide range of views regarding the current situation, including Foreign Minister Nyan Win, other members of the Burmese government, members of ethnic minority groups, and members of the National League for Democracy’s Central Executive Committee (aka “The Uncles”). (Full text)

Robert A. Wood, Acting Spokesman

UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Calls for Release of Political Prisoners in Burma

U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC
March 24, 2009

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued opinions today affirming that the continued detentions of Aung San Suu Kyi, Aung Myin, Ko Jimmy, Paw Oo Tun, and Mtay Win Aung are arbitrary and unjustified and that the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi is in contravention of Burma’s own law. (Full text)